Fishing Report - January 28, 2026

Late January around the Henry’s Fork looks a little different than usual this year. We’ve got very little snow on the ground, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still winter, and it’s been consistently cold for the past couple of weeks. The good news is that access has been excellent, and anglers willing to adjust their approach are finding fish.

This time of year, success really comes down to understanding where trout want to be when water temperatures drop. Trout are cold-blooded, and while they prefer cold water, there’s a point where it gets cold enough that they simply slow down. When that happens, fish aren’t interested in chasing flies very far. Instead, they settle into deep, slow runs and softer water where they can conserve energy. No matter what river you’re fishing, that’s where you should be focusing your efforts right now.

Winter nymphing has been productive, especially when fishing deep and slow. Leech-and-egg combinations remain a solid go-to. A Rowleys Balanced Leech or Pops Bugger with a trailing Olsen’s Taco Egg has been working well. Stonefly nymphs like Pat’s Rubber Legs, paired with an egg, are also a great option. Don’t be afraid to really dredge those deeper holes—fish are stacked up, and patience usually pays off.

For those who enjoy ice fishing, Henry’s Lake has been producing some nice fish. Keep in mind that it's catch-and-release only this time of year, but ice conditions have been good enough to safely get out and enjoy a day on the lake.

Anglers have also been finding steady action below Island Park Dam and Ashton Dam. These tailwater sections fish well throughout the winter and have been giving up plenty of trout. Egg patterns remain effective, along with smaller nymphs like Tungsten Zebra Nymphs, Perdigon Nymphs like SR Bullet Quill Jig or Jig Napoleons, and stonefly patterns. Any combination of these patterns dropped under an indicator can be a very effective setup. Slowly swinging a streamer has also been productive—bright colors like a Yellow Flash and Grab and Elden’s Shiner Minnow can stand out in winter conditions, while a Black Conehead Wool Sculpin or Olive Meat Whistle remains a reliable staple, especially on overcast days.

We’ve also seen midges hatching during the afternoon, creating some good opportunities for anglers paying attention to timing. One standout area has been just below the Warm River confluence. Since Warm River is spring-fed, it stays clear and maintains a steady temperature through the winter. Fish tend to gather right below the confluence near the stone bridge, making it a great spot to target when midges are active. Fishing a Copper Top Duracell or Cocktail Nymph as part of your nymph rig can be very effective here.

Overall, winter conditions have been surprisingly accessible thanks to the lack of snow, and
there’s plenty of fishable water available right now. If you’ve got the time, we definitely encourage you to get out and enjoy some winter fishing. Slow things down, focus on good
water, and you’ll likely be rewarded.

While the shop is closed for the winter season, our phone lines are open, and our online store is always available if you need flies, gear, or help dialing in your winter setup.